UK Scholars Programme

The Royal Ballet School’s new UK Scholars programme will support exceptionally talented students across the UK who demonstrate outstanding potential in classical ballet.

The programme is for a selected number of exceptionally talented Year 7 students that we would typically consider to be at the level to enter the School full-time, identified through our Associate network.

This national initiative will allow students to remain in their home communities while receiving exclusive extra tuition through a calendar of performance experiences, residential camps and Intensives, strength and conditioning training, tailored mentoring, and structured engagement and support with parents and local teachers.

In addition to the weekend camps and events, Scholars will be supported in their training journey through our expanded Mid Associate classes at their chosen centre.

Scholars will be trained at “home hubs” across the UK based on location and invited into the School at various points throughout the year to develop connections with our Artistic team.

Benefits

• Ensures young dancers continue to receive exceptional part-time training, support, and mentorship close to home, placing them in the strongest possible position to transition into full-time training when the time is right
• Keeps young dancers connected to family, school, and local communities, supporting their emotional and social development ahead of the rigours of full-time training
• Enriching performance opportunities such as being included in the School’s Summer Performance Grand Défilé.

Age eligibility

Students aged 11-12 (in school years 6 or 7) by 31 August 2026

Selection process

The UK Scholars will be identified through our Mid Associate programme, making it a requirement that any Scholar is also an Associate.

Students will apply for the Mid Associate programme, in the first instance, in early September each year. Preliminary auditions will still take place within the autumn term.

Students who are identified at the preliminary stage will be invited to a selection audition for the Scholars programme in the February half term. This invitation will be communicated to applicants within a month of their initial audition or before Christmas (depending on location and timings).

By applying for the Mid Associates, each student will also be considered for the UK Scholars.

Selection auditions will be held in the February half term, where a broader range of Artistic staff will assess the students’ suitability for the programme.

Offers of places on the Scholars programme will be sent out within a month of the audition so that students and families can make informed decisions alongside their possible offers for other vocational schools.